make it clear

USAGE SUMMARY

'make it clear' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that information should be communicated in a straightforward manner. For example, you might say, "We need to make it clear to everyone what the expectations are for this project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Let's make it clear.

Yale University

just to make it clear.

Independent

Just make it clear.

The New York Times - Sports

I make it clear.

The Guardian - Film

"We make it clear to our authors".

The New York Times - Tech

Only time will make it clear.

The New York Times

Let me make it clear.

The Guardian

Make it clear even to lay readers.

Nature

Make it clear that you're shopping around.

The New York Times - Magazine

Advance notice doesn't make it clear.

The New York Times

The show doesn't make it clear.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make it clear" in professional communication, follow it with a specific action or outcome to emphasize the importance of clarity. For example, "Make it clear that all deadlines are non-negotiable."

Common error

Avoid using passive constructions when you want to "make it clear". Instead, opt for active voice to ensure accountability and directness. For example, instead of saying, "It should be made clear that...", say "We must make it clear that...".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make it clear" functions primarily as a directive, used to urge the speaker or writer to express something plainly and unambiguously. Ludwig shows many examples where the phrase introduces explanations, instructions or declarations. As Ludwig AI underlines, is a valid and common phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

15%

Wiki

21%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make it clear" is a very common and grammatically correct expression used to emphasize the importance of clarity in communication. As shown by Ludwig's examples, this phrase is used in a variety of contexts, from news and media to academic papers. Alternative phrases include make it obvious or "make it explicit". When writing, using the active voice and providing specific actions/outcomes is advisable to ensure clarity. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is used validly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make it obvious

This alternative emphasizes the ease of understanding, suggesting something that is readily apparent and requires little effort to grasp.

make it transparent

This alternative focuses on openness and visibility, implying that information is presented in a way that is easily accessible and understandable.

make it explicit

This alternative stresses the directness and unambiguity of the message, ensuring that there is no room for misinterpretation.

make it understandable

This alternative highlights the importance of comprehension, ensuring that the information is accessible to the intended audience.

make it plain

This alternative conveys simplicity and straightforwardness, emphasizing the lack of complexity in the message.

make it known

This alternative focuses on disseminating information widely, ensuring that everyone is aware of the facts.

let it be known

This alternative conveys that the communication has happened and the information is now available to those who need to know.

ensure clarity

This alternative puts emphasis on checking and confirming that no misunderstanding can occur.

spell it out

This alternative focuses on providing a fully and minutely detailed explanation, so that nothing will be missed.

clarify

This alternative emphasizes the action of removing confusion and making something easier to understand.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "make it clear" for a formal setting?

In formal contexts, consider alternatives such as "elucidate", "specify", or "articulate" to maintain a professional tone.

What's a more direct synonym for "make it clear"?

For a more direct approach, you can use phrases like "state explicitly", "emphasize", or "highlight" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

How do I use "make it clear" in a sentence?

You can use "make it clear" to introduce important information or instructions. For example, "I want to make it clear that attendance is mandatory", or "Let's make it clear what our objectives are for this meeting".

What are some less formal alternatives to "make it clear"?

In informal settings, try using alternatives like "get the message across", "lay it out", or "make it obvious" to maintain a casual tone.